Bonnie Bishop makes her first appearance on Mountain Stage, recorded live at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, W.Va. Nashville-based by way of Texas and Mississippi, Bishop has made a name for herself with her songs and powerful live performances. In 2002, she toured Texas' vast roots-music circuit, and has since released four albums in a span of six years. Her work earned her a nomination for "Vocal Performance of the Year" at the Lone Star Music Awards.

In 2008, Bishop moved to Nashville, Tenn., to pursue a songwriting career; the industry began to take notice soon afterward. Her song "Not Cause I Want To," which she co-wrote with former NRBQ guitarist Al Anderson, was recorded on the newest album by one of her most important influences, Bonnie Raitt. Bishop appears here solo, playing both piano and guitar in four songs from her latest release, Free.